HYDERABAD, JUNE 16, 2024: Kuchipudi Darpanam, a unique collection of traditional and creative choreographies was presented by the disciples of Seetha Nagajothy and P Nagajothy from New Delhi in Shilparamam, Madhapur in Hyderabad on Saturday night.
V.Sheshadri, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Telangana graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Congratulating the Gurus for the scintillating performance of their students, he said that Seetha Nagajyothi is among the prominent torch bearers of the Kuchipudhi art form and expressed happiness that his daughter Shriya was under her tutelage.
The team of Gurus and dancers from New Delhi and Hyderabad began with Poorvarangam. The highlight of the evening was Swarajathi in Vasanta ragam a choreography of Padma Bhushan Late Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam. The talented group showcased various items of the Kuchipudi repertoire like Vani ki Vandanam, Dasavataram, Aura Sabdam, Tulsidas Kirtan, Koluvaitiva and Brindavana Saranga Thillana.
The Seetha Nagajothy and P Nagajothy are well established names in Kuchipudi who have created their own niche in terms of style and performance. Seetha learnt the art in the 1960’s from Padma Bhushan Late Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam and taught at Kuchipudi Art Academy till the mid-80s. She also taught in his Hyderabad branch where she chiseled many artists of Hyderabad who later became stalwarts in the art form. The Nagajothy duo have brought together their disciples from Delhi and Hyderabad to showcase both from their own creative vocabulary and traditional numbers.
Seetha Nagajothy held a Kuchipudi workshop in Hyderabad last week from 10th to 15th June called ‘Back to Basics’. This well attended workshop was organised in association with Dr. Yashoda Thakores’ Rinda Saranya Kuchipudi Artist Academy. The ‘Swarajati’ presented during the performance today was the outcome of the learnings of the workshop.
The team of dancers included Prof. TG Rupa, Sai Sirisha Bhamidi, L. Shruti, Shriya Sheshadri, Kavya Gopalakrishnan, Rudra Vaishnavi Karanam, Sivani, Keertana Subramaniam, Sai Yutika, P. Charvi, Sri Megha M, Sri Manaswi M and Charitha.
